SkyRC — IFA 2014 — MC3000 charger-analyzer

[gyzmo2002]

Can you point out those premium cables kreisl, please?

A hint: Search for Braided Anker in this thread[emoji6]

Kreisl will be not guilty if they don't work.

 

[Albert_]

I've been looking around for a micro usb cable.

The only cables I was able to find with complete build specifcations run around ~$20.00 +/-.

Anker does provide a gauge specification.

https://www.anker.com/products/A7115011

http://www.ebay.com/itm/321878318798?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

( 28 / 21 AWG data and power wires.)

Anker also produces a micro usb cable with Anker Kevlar construction: https://www.anker.com/products/A8133012

Other USB cables found from this review: http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-micro-usb-cable/

Monoprice - 6ft USB 2.0 A Male to Micro 5pin Male 28/24AWG Cable w/ Ferrite Core (Gold Plated) - comes in various lengths up to 15 feet.

6' cable: http://www.monoprice.com/product?c_id=103&cp_id=10303&cs_id=1030307&p_id=5458&seq=1&format=2

3' cable: http://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=5457

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003L18S0E/?tag=cpf0b6-20

Reading comments of the review http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-micro-usb-cable/

You might want to note: some usb cable users have reported problems with the micro B connector becoming loose after some use. It's difficult to determine from their comments if the problem is actually with the usb cable or the device usb connector.

Problems with USB isn't always the fault of the cable. Some USB devices may not be 100 percent compatible with all PC usb hardware. I've had USB devices with problems maintaining a consistent connection to a PC, where conflict behavior indicated to be between the PC's usb controller / drivers and the device's USB hardware and/or firmware.

I think conflicts potentially can also exist between connected usb devices, as the same hardware controller and drivers normally manages all the connected usb devices to a PC.

I haven't seen much in the way of testing usb cables other than for charging and data rates. Some users have reported problems with their micro-B connectors becoming loose. *** It appears part of the problem is some micro-b connections have problems enduring the same amount of stress from a cable's (vertical & horizontal) movement that doesn't normally effect USB - A and USB - B connections. Additional care may be required when using a Micro-B cables.

Smaller USB connectors are primarily designed for smaller devices such as smartphones, digital cameras, game controllers, etc. Much of the USB cabling has become lighter and more flexible, using woven jacketing (similar cabling used for game controllers) produce less stress on a USB connector. However sometimes wire quality is sacrificed and cables fail prematurely. I notice some of the lesser expensive USB cables may not be using stranded wire and/or poor quality wire. Solid wire isn't really acceptable for cabling that require alot of movement and normally used were cabling is permanently mounted. Braided wire is suppose produce better conductivity than solid. Higher strand count dc cables are often used where amperes become an issue.

If your having problems with a Micro-B connection becoming loose, you may want to consider another type type of usb cable, such as one using a 90 deg. Micro-B connection, http://www.l-com.com/usb-angled-usb-cable-straight-a-male-down-angle-micro-b-male-10m or right angle http://www.l-com.com/usb-right-angle-usb-cable-straight-a-male-to-right-angle-mini-b5-male (cable tie or secure cord near micro usb connection)

Cable holders and ties are used on all types of equipment to secure power and data lines. Installing a clip near your equipment's usb jack helps to reduce stress on the connection.

e.g. Panduit p/n ACC62-A-C (Adhesive Backed)

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000S6LJAQ/?tag=cpf0b6-20

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DU673R4/?tag=cpf0b6-20

___

Older serial cables using DB connectors didn't normally have connector problems. The serial cabling would wear out long before their DB plugs which rarely if ever exhibited any problems.

More links:

USB cables and information about usb cable construction

http://www.l-com.com/usb?cmp=topmenu

Durable microUSB cable?

http://arstechnica.com/civis/viewtopic.php?p=26262897

Top 26 Best USB Cables of 2016 Reviews

http://www.allbesttop10.com/top-10-best-usb-cables/

Adapters

http://www.mycablemart.com/store/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=5093

http://www.mycablemart.com/store/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=3966

http://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-Micro-Mini-Adapter-Cable/dp/B008635BA2

http://www.gearbest.com/cables-adapter/pp_21190.html

DYI Cables

https://www.adafruit.com/
____

Magnetic micro usb cable. Descriptions state it's good for charging and data transfer. ???

http://www.wsken.net/productsinfo.asp?id=30

Two versions: Ver 1 & Ver 2

http://www.gearbest.com/samsung-cables-adapters/pp_261495.html?vip=105193

http://www.gearbest.com/samsung-cables-adapters/pp_261494.html?vip=105194


http://gizmodo.com/a-simple-magnetic-adapter-gives-your-charging-cables-ma-1718989721

 

[chemEJoe]

Hi, I'm new to this thread and want to thank you all for your fine posts. I read everything to about page 45 so far, and also checked out HKJ's review of this and many other chargers.

I had bought a cheapo Solarstorm 2x LED to use while riding in winter, having gotten the high cholesterol warning. Then I realized oops, I might have a grenade in my garage. So, I started to read BLF, HKJ's reviews, and this site.

I ordered my SkyRC MC-3000 from GB at the end of Jan and now it's 2/9 and the tracking number for USPS says it's within 30 miles. Wohoo! I am looking forward to getting it in the next few days.

With first time buyer promo, I got it for $85 USD. The charger tracking number worked fine for China and then transferred to USPS tracking aok.

I did order NCR18650Bs Protected before that, from GB, and shipping for that and the solarstorm battery case has a tracking number that doesn't give much info and does not transfer to USPS. Someone here posted batteries were harder to get from GB, so maybe it will be about a week behind though I ordered that a week before.

I'll come back and report so future buyers can calibrate their waiting period, etc.

Thank you again, for all the posters who know this stuff, Kreisl, billcushman, HKJ, and too many to list but your work here, your sharing really is great. I wanted to join, and I hope I can contribute as I learn how to use this charger and how to use these batteries safely.

What I love about this community is that you all are old school, in that you use your efforts and brains to use these tools and toys well. I grew up fixing cars with my dad, and these days, everyone just buys things and throws them away. I love that we can source components from China, directly from ebay sometimes, and come up with safer, better products than the ones we walk into a store to buy, where the products aren't as good and are more dangerous (with respect to Li Ion battery and usage). I realized ... my $20 drone toy for my son has a pretty risky little battery there lol. Thanks to you all and the web community.

 

[angerdan]

Re: SkyRC — IFA 2014 / CES 2016 — MC3000 charger-analyzer

The Android and iOS apps are pretty poor.

Doesn't work on Android <4.3 devices.

 

[kappa7]

Re: 2nd gen dreamcharger presented on IFA Berlin 2014…

• TESTED - bug: protection reset feature may not work in a slot after a finished charge program (UNCONFIRMED)

What do you mean with "TESTED" and "(UNCONFIRMED)"?

Have you understood the bug and has been corrected in fw 1.04?
Thanks

 

[kreisl]

Re: 2nd gen dreamcharger presented on IFA Berlin 2014…

i have understood your observation, so i tested the function under the given conditions. the function works okay on my sample, i was not able to confirm your bug. maybe you could post a clear, reproducible step-by-step procedure which leads to the bug, something like (fictive example)

+++++++++++++fiction on++++++++++++++++
1) i'm on fw 1.02; in GSV do a FACTORY RESET, depress ENTER to save and return to TOV
2) remove all batteries, unplug charger from mains, wait 10sec
3) re-power the charger, reboot to TOV
4) save this program: < NiMH, Charge, 1.00A, etc > under PROGRAM[01] to all Slots
5) insert 1pc NiMH battery in a slot, say in #3, and click ENTER to Start All (=start [01] in #3)
6) when [01] has finished in #3, remove de battery from #3; all slots are empty now
7) insert a 0V protected LiIon battery in a slot, say in #3. TOV shows "NO BATTERY" as expected.
8) click SNB#3 to release the tripped protection of the LiIon battery, or press'n hold SNB#3 for this effect.
9) i was expecting that the voltage would jump from NO BATTERY to say 2.8V. however i am observing a bug: yadda etc
+++++++++++++fiction off++++++++++++++++

:candle:

 

[TinderBox (UK)]

Re: 2nd gen dreamcharger presented on IFA Berlin 2014…

A bit off topic , below is a link to a travel charger for dedicated digital camera battery's, I just bought one and need to let others know, very cheap.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/thr...-charger-with-lcd-display-cheap-price.787986/

John.

 

[MarioJP]

Re: SkyRC — IFA 2014 / CES 2016 — MC3000 charger-analyzer

I ran the test again to be sure if whether or not there is an is a issue with the fan.

This pretty much sums it up. Confirmed on both chargers.

 

[kappa7]

Re: 2nd gen dreamcharger presented on IFA Berlin 2014…

i have understood your observation, so i tested the function under the given conditions. the function works okay on my sample, i was not able to confirm your bug. maybe you could post a clear, reproducible step-by-step procedure which leads to the bug, something like...
:candle:

Ok maybe I've found why you haven't found the bug. It's present only after running a NIHM charge program (with LION no problem).

Before to go in detail:
I find that the protection reset feature very useful not only with protected lion, but also with dead (0V) NIMH battery. If the battery is not short circuited, by holding for 20-60s the slot button the current pulses sent by the charger are enough to "wake up" the completely depleted battery until it's recognized by the charger. After that it's possible to start a normal charge cycle to try to revive the dead battery.

Now the bug in detail:
1) I'm on fw 1.02, advanced mode. I didn't do a factory reset (I will do it only if you still cannot reproduce the problem).
2) remove all batteries, unplug charger from mains, wait 10sec.
3) re-power the charger, reboot to TOV.
4) Test the protection reset feature: without any cell in the charger hold the slot 1 battery button. After a few seconds you will see that the protection reset kick on and the voltage repeatably pulse to about 5V and the slot LED blink RED-GREEN. It should works without any problem.
5) Now insert a nihm cell in slot 1 and program a charge with 1A, capacity cut off off, time cutoff off, dv -3mv, temp cutout 45°C, all other settings off (in any case they seem don't care, is only important to select a nimh charge program).
6) Start the program.
7) After 10s or more stop it with the stop button.
8) Remove the cell and wait until "NO BATTERY" is shown.
9) Now try the protection reset feature by holding the slot 1 button. Now it should NOT work, nothing happen.
10) The protection reset of the others 3 slots should work.
11) If you put a LION cell in slot 1, start a LION charge program and then stop it and remove the cell, the protection reset feature should start to work again.

 

[kreisl]

Re: 2nd gen dreamcharger presented on IFA Berlin 2014…

Thanks for the detailed steps, can others try this too please?

( i am non-stop cycling my new batteries, hopefully tomorrow i'll have a chance to test your procedure )

 

[Rapster]

Re: 2nd gen dreamcharger presented on IFA Berlin 2014…

Ok maybe I've found why you haven't found the bug. It's present only after running a NIHM charge program (with LION no problem).

Before to go in detail:
I find that the protection reset feature very useful not only with protected lion, but also with dead (0V) NIMH battery. If the battery is not short circuited, by holding for 20-60s the slot button the current pulses sent by the charger are enough to "wake up" the completely depleted battery until it's recognized by the charger. After that it's possible to start a normal charge cycle to try to revive the dead battery.

Now the bug in detail:
1) I'm on fw 1.02, advanced mode. I didn't do a factory reset (I will do it only if you still cannot reproduce the problem).
2) remove all batteries, unplug charger from mains, wait 10sec.
3) re-power the charger, reboot to TOV.
4) Test the protection reset feature: without any cell in the charger hold the slot 1 battery button. After a few seconds you will see that the protection reset kick on and the voltage repeatably pulse to about 5V and the slot LED blink RED-GREEN. It should works without any problem.
5) Now insert a nihm cell in slot 1 and program a charge with 1A, capacity cut off off, time cutoff off, dv -3mv, temp cutout 45°C, all other settings off (in any case they seem don't care, is only important to select a nimh charge program).
6) Start the program.
7) After 10s or more stop it with the stop button.
8) Remove the cell and wait until "NO BATTERY" is shown.
9) Now try the protection reset feature by holding the slot 1 button. Now it should NOT work, nothing happen.
10) The protection reset of the others 3 slots should work.
11) If you put a LION cell in slot 1, start a LION charge program and then stop it and remove the cell, the protection reset feature should start to work again.

Thanks for the detailed steps, can others try this too please?

( i am non-stop cycling my new batteries, hopefully tomorrow i'll have a chance to test your procedure )

Okay, I've just tried this, but with a AAA NiMH and I used a smaller charge current, 500mA, and I used Slot #2.

I can confirm @kappa7's results; after charging a NiMH in a specific slot, the protection reset feature no longer works in that slot until power down/up.

Although the beeps (sounds) remain whilst pressing Slot button there is no current being applied to the slot and thus no reading on the screen. I checked with a DMM.

(DMM showed expected readings in the slots that still had protection reset working.)

 

[millguy]

But what about the B?? Just looked it up. Those look like it could work. The + is not too covered and maybe slightly raised.

B's won't make contact without a small magnet or coil in between. At least on mine.

 

[Meyer]

Re: SkyRC — IFA 2014 / CES 2016 — MC3000 charger-analyzer

Doesn't work on Android <4.3 devices.

The App uses Bluetooth Low Energy, available in Android since Version 4.3.
! Android OS versions prior 4.4 are out of Google-support (safety patches) !

The App V2.5 is operating here, with bugs.

Bug #1:
App will crash with Android language settings where decimal mark is decimal comma (","), as in Germany.

Preconditions:

• MC3000 Hardware Version 1.4, Firmware Version 1.02
• Samsung Galaxy S5, Android 5.0 with german language setting
• MC3000 App V2.5

Example: Editing a setup voltages will first be displayed with decimal dot, e.g. 4.20 V. After modifying or reentring the voltage will be displayed with decimal comma, e.g. 4,20V or 4,10V. On saving such a setting the app crashes immediately. Maybe during a text-to-number-conversion-routine.

Temporary workaround: Choose language setting with decimal dot ("."), e.g. English (United Kingdom) or English (United States). This is annoying in other apps (Mail, spreadsheet, ...).

Bug #2:
The app is congesting after some hours with occasionally inspecting voltage graphs. The app doesn't display "Details" for all slots or won't be responsive at all. Maybe caused by improper buffer and/or memory management.

Workaround: Terminate the app, terminate the app in android task manager, clear the app cache in android settings, restart the charger (power off, power on), start the app ...

 

[kreisl]

Re: SkyRC — IFA 2014 / CES 2016 — MC3000 charger-analyzer

Thanks Meyer, the bug #1 was already reported in Android app v1.0 by Winne the maker of DEX and then submitted by me ~2 months ago. We have been seeing app updates since, which is good. Too bad that the bug is still there.

I'll re-submit the 2 app bugs after CNY, no prob

I can confirm @kappa7's results; after charging a NiMH in a specific slot, the protection reset feature no longer works in that slot until power down/up.

Although the beeps (sounds) remain whilst pressing Slot button there is no current being applied to the slot and thus no reading on the screen. I checked with a DMM.

Thanks kappa7 and Rapster, i was able to reproduce the bug, and submitted it to maker. It is very easy to reproduce, no FACTORY RESET needed, etc I've listed it under (k#27) and we should expect a fix in 1.04.

Very cute bug!!

 

[kappa7]

Re: SkyRC — IFA 2014 / CES 2016 — MC3000 charger-analyzer

Thanks kappa7 and Rapster, i was able to reproduce the bug, and submitted it to maker. It is very easy to reproduce, no FACTORY RESET needed, etc I've listed it under (k#27) and we should expect a fix in 1.04.

Very cute bug!!

No problem, thank you for working hard to improve this excellent charger!

Glad that you appreciated this tasty bug.

 

[billcushman]

Re: SkyRC — IFA 2014 / CES 2016 — MC3000 charger-analyzer

ProgressiveRC in Seattle WA now has MC3000s in stock for US buyers. They also have a listing on Amazon.

 

[Rapster]

Re: SkyRC — IFA 2014 / CES 2016 — MC3000 charger-analyzer

Thanks Meyer, the bug #1 was already reported in Android app v1.0 by Winne the maker of DEX and then submitted by me ~2 months ago. We have been seeing app updates since, which is good. Too bad that the bug is still there.

I'll re-submit the 2 app bugs after CNY, no prob



Thanks kappa7 and Rapster, i was able to reproduce the bug, and submitted it to maker. It is very easy to reproduce, no FACTORY RESET needed, etc I've listed it under (k#27) and we should expect a fix in 1.04.

Very cute bug!!

You are very welcome!

This is how I imagine you spotting those bugs!

 

[esiuda]

Re: SkyRC — IFA 2014 / CES 2016 — MC3000 charger-analyzer

Just received my unit today from HKequipment. Firmware 1.3 Hardware version 1.4 Ordered 2/3, received by Chicago post office on 2/5. Took to 2/11 to get to Channahon. (received by Channahon Post Office on 2/11 and delivered to me on 2/11)

Only minor problem I have is that part of my shipment is missing. I hope it is just a oop's, and not a problem.

UPDATE!!!!
I was off Friday, and when I returned to my office on Monday I found 2 emails from HKequipment that arrived just after I left the office on 2/11! They are taking care of the problem. I highly recommend them, both for the quick shipping of the charger, as well as the very fast response to my emails!

 

[tjh]

Re: SkyRC — IFA 2014 / CES 2016 — MC3000 charger-analyzer

Just received my unit today from HKequipment. Firmware 1.3 Hardware version 1.4 Ordered 2/3, received by Chicago post office on 2/5. Took to 2/11 to get to Channahon. (received by Channahon Post Office on 2/11 and delivered to me on 2/11)

Only minor problem I have is that part of my shipment is missing. I hope it is just a oop's, and not a problem.

Which way does your fan blow?

 

[MarioJP]

Re: SkyRC — IFA 2014 / CES 2016 — MC3000 charger-analyzer

I just ordered high quality micro usb cables. Not taking any chances.